Pamphlets are a post punk, indie and alternative rock band based in New York City, USA who have just caught my attention with the release of their debut album, Take Your Place.

By Graeme Smith

Take Your Place sees the trio mix the political with the personal over eight tight and visceral tracks. Drawing influences from the likes of Interpol and Fontaines DC, we get a fresh and unique approach to rock that sometimes defies genre descriptions.

Started by singer and guitarist Jeremy Marquez and bassist Ben Griffin, Pamphlets have a growing presence on the live Brooklyn scene. This debut album will no doubt get them some attention from further afield, including from us here in OG York.

The album opens with the ponderous echoing note of Stupor. The track quickly develop into an urgent groove which doesn’t let up while we are taken on a psychedelic journey brought to life through call and response vocals. A passionate chorus holds our attention during a blistering opening gambit.

Things stay compelling as we canter through Wholesome Organic Convenience and Games. Pamphlets put their best foot forward in the early stages of Take Your Place and show us a diverse sound that ranges from the soaring and vibrant to the brooding and melancholic.

As the album progresses, the boundaries are pushed by the machine gun delivery of Bono, the soft and reflective Ones & Twos, and the jangly rock and roll of In Those Eyes. The collection is then rounded off by the anthemic Can You See Heaven and the severe and atmospheric Rotterdam Verticals.

With their debut album, Pamphlets show that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international post-punk scene. If you like your rock edgy and subversive, you’re going to find a lot to love about what they’re doing. It’s clear that this is just the start of something great for the guys.

Take Your Place is out now and you can check it out below.